Maharashtra intensifies screening at ports for Coronavirus, restricts entry from China

On Friday, Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Aslam Shaikh anunced that guidelines had been issued to all ports in Maharashtra keeping in mind Coronavirus scare in country. minister stated that instructions had been given to t allow anyone coming from China to step out of ports. He also stated that if someone had to step out, n it should be assured that a mandatory health screening is done for that person.

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" ports, which are under Maharashtra government, are t passenger ports. Whatever ports we have and whatever vessels come into state, strict guidelines have been given to all officers and departments to see that t a single person has permission to enter state," said Aslam Shaikh. 

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Shaikh also revealed that state government had appointed doctors at every port to check crew members coming from China and nearby countries. "If y want to enter state at all, n we will ensure that y visit local hospital first," said Shaikh. 

Mumbai Port Trust takes precautions

A few days ago, Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) had asked vessel nts and master of foreign vessels coming from countries affected by 2019-nCoV (Corona Virus) to inform Harbour Master (HM) or Port Health Officer (PHO) through email about crews suspected of virus infection with details including name, nationality, , sex, symptoms and history of previous visit to China.

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"N95 masks and or Personal Protective Equipment have been procured and issued to doctors, pilots and concerned officers likely to come in contact with vessel crew and passengers. Signs have been placed at prominent locations for creating awareness against disease," a release of Mumbai Port Trust said.

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(With ncy Inputs)